The Eighth Consciousness Can Be Observed through Direct Perception

After realization and enlightenment, one can directly perceive the characteristics (ākāra) of the eighth consciousness, clearly distinguishing them from the characteristics of the seven consciousnesses, without falling into the seven consciousnesses and the five aggregates. It is like red beans and mung beans mixed together—one can immediately sort them out, as clearly distinct as the Jing and Wei rivers, without the slightest ambiguity. Within the body of the five aggregates, no matter which dharma's operation one observes, one can immediately know how the eighth consciousness operates and how the six consciousnesses operate; the operation of the seventh consciousness is relatively difficult to observe, but at a certain point it too should be observable. In the process of directly perceiving the characteristics of the eight consciousnesses, the characteristics of the sixth and seventh consciousnesses may perhaps not be clearly separable and are easily confused, but the characteristics of the eighth consciousness should be quickly discernible, so that it is not confused with the sixth and seventh consciousnesses, leaving one unable to tell the true from the false.

Therefore, the eighth consciousness can be directly realized. Although the essence of the eighth consciousness cannot be seen, its characteristics and functions can be directly perceived; through the marks and functions of the eighth consciousness, one can realize its invisible essence. The essence of the eighth consciousness is fundamentally different from the essence of worldly dharmas. The essence of worldly dharmas—the realms of the six sense objects—can be seen and discerned by the five consciousnesses, and the mind consciousness can discern them even more easily, but the eighth consciousness is not like this. Therefore, the characteristics of the eighth consciousness are extremely subtle; without sufficient prajñā wisdom, one simply cannot see or observe them. That is why so many people say that the eighth consciousness is merely a name, that its essence does not exist, that it is empty. Such a statement is a tremendous misunderstanding, enough to obstruct one's own bodhisattva career, so that becoming a Buddha would be indefinitely postponed.